Does the change of seasons also create a change in your energy levels? Do you sometimes find it difficult to maintain a faster working pace in the colder months? Is there a way to work slowly and still effectively?
In these colder months when your energy levels can shift, it could be best for you and for your work to also adjust your pace, allowing you to continue doing great work without burning yourself out.
In this Episode:
Why private practice can feel more difficult in the winter
My past tactics compared to what I do now
Slow and steady!
How to slow down
Why private practice can feel more difficult in the winter
In winter, it's common that your energy could drop a bit. You want to be inside, cozy, and warmer, and it can take an extra scoop of discipline to get up, get ready, and go out to the office or get behind your desk and start working.
But there can also be loads of other fun activities to do in winter that feel the most fun to do when it's cold! Such as skiing or spending time outside in the snow with loved ones, snuggling on the couch and watching a movie, or reading a good book.
My past tactics compared to what I do now
In the past, I had to make it work. I was stretching myself thin by working numerous jobs while simultaneously trying to get my Canadian private practice launched. Through the good weather and the bad, I was trying to get to everything, and I ended up putting my own needs last.
Now that I have a successful Canadian private practice, I've shifted my tactics. I raised my rates and see fewer clients which allows me to find a better work-life balance by opening up my days to exercise as well as making time to rest.
Slow and steady!
Efficient is not synonymous with fast. You can do great and meaningful work with your clients and within your private practice without giving in to the hustle culture.
The main trick to working well at a slower pace is to not get wrapped up in the hustle culture. Most people continue working at a fast pace all year round, but it may not be healthy for you.
Taking time to rest or even changing the pace at which you complete your work to suit your needs is not by any means a failure, quite the opposite! Of course, it will look different depending on your lifestyle or whether you have dependents.
How to slow down
Take (longer) breaks between your clients: spend some time between client sessions for longer than 10 minutes. Allow yourself the chance to recharge, have a snack, rest, and prepare for the next session without being rushed.
See fewer clients per day: raise your rates and reduce your caseload so that you don't get burnout seeing too many clients!
Bunch your clients: allocate areas of your day to seeing clients and areas of your day for admin work (instead of spreading it out) so that you have more time for rest and exercise!
Outsource what you do not need to do: invest in hiring a virtual assistant who can get the work done that you do not specifically need to do.
Sticking to a budget: keep an eye on your spending and your budget so that your income can cover your financial needs.
Ease up on the workload: to harness slower but still effective work, I reduce energy in some areas of work and focus it on lower energy tasks.
Connect with me:
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 63: New Psychology Today Feature: Updated Endorsements!
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website
Listen to my Canadian private practice journey up until now!
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
